DASSARIS Editorial series: Culture of Luxury
On 21 January, the iconic fashion house Alaïa unveiled its third Parisian flagship on the legendary Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré, cementing its presence in the city's epicenter of luxury. This new boutique joins its counterparts on Rue de Moussy and Rue de Marignan, completing a trilogy of spaces that reflects the Maison's enduring ethos of refined elegance and boundary - pushing design.
Designed by Kazuyo Sejima and Ryue Nishizawa of the renowned SANAA Architecture Prize, the flagship reinterprets Alaïa's philosophy of "second skins". The boutique's architectural design mirrors the brand's signature silhouettes - fluid, swooping forms that envelop the body like a natural extension of the self.
The space features a soft color palette and an innovative curved glass facade, which reflects the vibrancy of Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré will creating a sense of serenity within. This deliberate interplay of reflection and transparency transforms the boutique into a space where, as the designers describe, "time can stand still".
A Fusion of Fashion, Art, and Design
Under the visionary direction of creative director Pieter Mulier, the store seamlessly integrates fashion with art and design. Known for his curated aesthetic, Mulier approached the boutique's interior with the same attention to detail as his celebrated Antwerp apartment.
The store features Philippe Malouin's iconic Mollo chairs - voluminous and inviting - juxtaposed with Diamond Stingily's evocative sculptures from her "Elephant Memory" series. These artworks, made from steel chains and hand-braided synthetic hair, bring an element of raw, emotional depth to the polished space.
"It was important for me that this new store had a concept that couldn't be found anywhere else", Mulier shared. "We wanted it to be a place of real exchange between fashion, design, art, and architecture. Because in my eyes, the idea of dialogue is at the very heart of Alaïa".
The opening of this new flagship is more than just a retail expansion - it's a testament to Alaïa's unwavering commitment to innovation and its role as a cultural touchstone. By bringing together the worlds of art, architecture, and design, Alaia continues to honor its founder's legacy, while charting a bold new path under Mulier's creative leadership.
This space is more than a boutique; it's a sanctuary for those who appreciate the intersection of artistry and craftsmanship. With its harmonious blend of cutting-edge design and timeless elegance, the Rue Faubourg Saint-Honoré flagship stands as a beacon of Alaia's visionary spirit.
Discover more about the evolution of iconic maisons and their enduring impact in our series Culture of Luxury, only on DASSARIS.
